UPSC Daily Current Affairs

Fukushima Waste Water Release

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is the Fukushima waste water issue? Following the 2011 tsunami and subsequent nuclear disaster at Fukushima, Japan has accumulated treated waste water at the plant. The plan to discharge this water into the Pacific Ocean has caused international and local concern. 2. Why is there waste water at Fukushima? To cool the damaged nuclear reactors after the disaster, the power plant company, Tepco, has been using water. This has resulted in the production of contaminated water daily, which is stored in massive tanks on-site. ... Read More...

Crackdown on NGOs in India

Sep 05, 2023

1. What is the FCRA in Indian NGO regulations? The FCRA, or Foreign Contribution Regulation Act, is an Indian act governing the acceptance and use of foreign contributions by NGOs in India. Essential for NGOs, it ensures transparency in foreign funding. 2. Why are Indian NGOs losing FCRA licences recently? Over 100 NGOs faced FCRA license cancellations recently due to enhanced disclosure requirements, tighter fund usage norms, and various regulatory amendments aimed at financial transparency. 3. How ... Read More...

BRICS:Reassessing China's

Sep 05, 2023

1. What defines a "developing country"? A developing country is distinguished by metrics like a lower GDP per capita, underdeveloped infrastructure, and a reduced Human Development Index (HDI). Understanding these benchmarks is key to evaluating nations like China. 2. Key indicators for a country's "developing" status? Common indicators include: GDP per capita trends Industrialization metrics ... Read More...

15th BRICS Summit:Expansion and More

Sep 05, 2023

1. What took place at the BRICS summit? The summit was a three-day event attended by Brazil, India, China, and South Africa's leaders in person, with Russia's leader attending virtually. The focus of discussions included terrorism, multilateral reform, digital economy, trade, and food security. Leaders from several developing countries and UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres were present. 2. What were the summit's significant outcomes? The primary outcome was BRICS' expansion, incorporating Argentina, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, S... Read More...

Understanding India's Anti-Defection Law and its Implications:Reform the Law

Sep 16, 2023

1. What is the Anti-Defection Law? The Anti-Defection Law is located in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It was introduced to curb the frequent switching of legislators between parties. 2. How does the Anti-Defection Law operate? The law mandates that a legislator can be deemed to have defected if they voluntarily renounce their party's membership or disobey party directives without obtaining prior permission. 3. What was the historical context behind its introduction? Read More...

Biofuels and the Ethanol Blending Initiative by Indian Sugar Millers

Sep 05, 2023

1. Why is the ethanol blending programme significant in the context of biofuels? The programme champions the use of ethanol, a renewable biofuel, aiming to blend it with petrol, which reduces carbon emissions and dependence on fossil fuels. 2. What biofuel-related target have the sugar millers proposed? Sugar millers are eyeing a 50% average ethanol blending with petrol by 2030, enhancing the role of biofuels in India's energy mix. 3. How does the E-100 flex fuel vehicle fit into the biofue... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY):Financial Inclusion and Empowerment

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the Pradhan Mantri Jan-Dhan Yojana (PMJDY)? A1: PMJDY was launched on August 28, 2014, with the goal of providing universal banking services. It aims to open zero-balance bank accounts for every unbanked household, aligning with the principles of banking the unbanked, securing the unsecured, and funding the unfunded. Q2: How has PMJDY impacted direct benefit transfers? A2: The PMJDY scheme, entering its ninth year, has been instrumental in allowing the government to transfer benefits directly to verified bank accounts, thereby elim... Read More...

Is AI's Autonomy a Concern?

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: Is there a prevalent fear regarding AI's autonomy? A1: Yes, a common apprehension is that AI might evolve beyond human control, develop its own consciousness, and make independent decisions that might not always align with human interests. Q2: Are concerns about AI developing its own consciousness justified? A2: As of current understanding and technological development, AI operates based on algorithms and data provided to it. It doesn't possess emotions, desires, or consciousness like humans. The fear stems more from speculative fi... Read More...

Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U)

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) 'Housing for All' Mission? A1: Launched in June 2015, PMAY-U is an initiative by the Government of India to provide pucca houses to all eligible urban beneficiaries. The mission aims to address India's urban housing shortage. Q2: Has the mission achieved its objectives so far? A2: As of 23 August 2023, 1.19 crore houses have been sanctioned out of the initial target of two crore houses. There is still a gap between needs, demand, and supply, indicating challenges in fulfilli... Read More...

Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR): An Overview and Recent Changes

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR)? A1: Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) refers to initiatives and practices undertaken by corporations to contribute positively to society. This includes a range of activities, from donating money to nonprofits to implementing environmentally-friendly policies in the workplace. Q2: When was the CSR regime introduced in India? A2: The CSR regime was introduced in India in 2013 as part of the Companies Act. Q3: Why was there a need for CSR regulation... Read More...

The Mediation Bill 2023: Aims, Provisions, and Benefits

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is the primary aim of the Mediation Bill 2023? A1: The Mediation Bill 2023 aims to codify, institutionalize, and promote the mediation process by establishing the Mediation Council of India, recognizing mediation service providers, and providing for the registration of mediators. Q2: Can you provide a list of the main provisions of the Mediation Bill 2023? A2:Key provisions: 1.Establishment of the Mediation Council of India. Read More...

Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) in India: Aadhaar, Instruments, Institutions, and Policies

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: What is Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI)? A1: DPI represents the digital platforms and tools developed by the government to catalyze India's transition from an offline, fragmented micro-economy to a consolidated online, high-productivity mega economy. Q2: How does Aadhaar play a role in DPI? A2: Aadhaar, a unique digital identity card issued to residents of India, acts as a foundational pillar for DPI. It serves as a verification tool across various digital platforms, ensuring secure and seamless transactions. Read More...

International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) Launch

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: When and where was the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) launched? A1: The IBCA was launched on 9th April 2023 in Mysuru, Karnataka, during an event commemorating 50 years of Project Tiger. Q2: What is the primary purpose of the IBCA? A2: The IBCA was initiated to bolster conservation efforts for seven big cats – Tiger, Lion, Leopard, Snow Leopard, Cheetah, Jaguar, and Puma. Q3: How many countries does the IBCA aim to collaborate with? A3: The all... Read More...

Cheetah Conservation Efforts in India

Sep 05, 2023

Q1: Why is South Africa sending cheetahs to India? A1: South African President, Cyril Ramaphosa, stated at the BRICS Summit that South Africa is willing to donate more cheetahs to India, acknowledging India's dedication to feline conservation. Q2: How many cheetahs has South Africa sent to India so far? A2: South Africa sent 12 cheetahs to India in February, following the eight big cats that Namibia sent in November 2022. Q3: What has been the survival rate of these cheetahs? Read More...

DRDO, Its Achievements, and DARPA

Sep 05, 2023

Q1. What is the primary role of the DRDO? A1. The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) is India's premier agency responsible for the development of technology for defense purposes. Q2. What are some notable achievements of DRDO? A2. DRDO has achieved numerous milestones, including: •Development of the Agni and Prithvi missile series. •Creation of the Light Combat Aircraft (LCA) - Tejas. Read More...